Can’t Sleep? Here are 6 Snacks that will Make you Drowsy

October 9, 2014

Having trouble catching those ZZZs? Believe it or not, treating yourself to a nice snack is one of the best ways to deal with sleeplessness. Not only does it ease your stomach’s late night cravings, but it can also help your brain relax into drowsiness as you lay still on your bed mattress.

Besides, even though the act of counting sheep to sleep has some logic to it, there’s no real guarantee it will give you sweet, uninterrupted slumber. With that said, here are six healthy and tasty snacks you might want to try out before going to bed:

MILK & CEREAL

Having a bowl of your favorite cornflakes before bedtime can do wonders for your sleep cycle. Cereals are generally rich in carbohydrates that releases serotonin and tryptophan to induce sleepiness. It is also a good source of vitamin B6, an essential nutrient in producing melatonin which also promotes sleep. On the other hand, milk is rich in calcium, enabling the brain to use the dairy’s tryptophan and produce melatonin.

POPCORN

With around 30 calories per cup, popcorn makes a very light carb snack. To add flavor, you can sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese. Like most dairy products, Parmesan cheese helps trigger sleep-inducing brain chemicals. Curry powder also makes a tasty alternative popcorn flavor that will take you one step closer to Slumberland. Much on this snack on Movie Nights and you’ll be ready to bed before the credits end!

CHERRIES

There’s nothing like a fresh bowl of iced or dried cherries to usher you to a good night’s rest. Sweet and juicy, cherries are another perfect source of melatonin. While it can make an excellent food on its own, eating it with cheese or other fruits and berries can make it an irresistibly mouth-watering snack that you’ll crave for every single night.

LOW-FAT YOGURT

Feeling restless in bed? Enjoy a cup of frozen yogurt first! Not only is yogurt uniquely tasty in its creamy awesomeness, but it’s also a go-to snack for those who’s looking for a little more calcium for their body. As mentioned before, calcium is the necessary nutrient when it comes to producing melatonin, which would trigger sleep-inducing hormones in turn. Yogurt can be eaten on its own, although you can make it an even more delicious snack by adding a few berries or fruits.

OATMEAL

Like cherries, oats offer substantial amounts of melatonin to your diet. It is also rich in magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, and calcium. Combined, these nutrients serve to relax you physically. Oatmeal is easy to prepare; simply pour hot water on the oats and you’re set! You can also add banana slices and almond butter on it for extra flavor. Yum!

TUNA SANDWICH

Along with turkey sandwich and the classic PB&J, this is one of the best sandwiches to enjoy before turning off the lights. With the right amount of protein, carbohydrates and vitamin B6, the tuna sandwich can easily trigger the melatonin, serotonin, and tryptophan you need to deal with sleeplessness. It’s also extremely easy to prepare, making it the ultimate midnight snack.